Destination Indian Wedding – Lisbon the Lapa Palace Hotel

This is the Big day Wedding story of Bela & Gerry. The beautiful bride Bela has Indian origins, and Gerry is from Ireland; as you can imagine, both families and friends came along from various parts of the globe, to take part of this magic, colorful, elegant and classy Wedding.

There were various ceremonies, starting with the world´s most ancient rites of the Hindu Ceremony, that was performed according to the Vedic Rites of the Arya Samaj. Each step in the ceremony has a symbolic, philosophical and spiritual meaning, and is meant to bring out a union of two separate beings.

Photographic style? The couple prefered a photojournalism approach, during great part of the event. Though, as we wish to tell a meaningful story, and the boutique hotel offers the perfect setting, we just couldn’t resist to capture all the beautiful details, the Mandap (Altar), and a brief portraits session close to sunset…

We would like to mention our dearest appreciation to the Details Wedding Planners team, Rupali and Mayuri, you definitely make dreams come true, and the most special thanks to Scott Ferreira and the Lapa Palace Hotel staff, for their availability, and will to help us, thank you all for making so much possible!

To Bela & Gerry, we loved to take part of your special day, and capture such magical and emotional moments, we wish you the very best with love and laughter!

Varghodha
The arrival of the Groom: the Bride’s mother greets the Groom with an “Arti” and places a “Tilak” on his forehead.

Varpooja
The welcoming of the Groom: the priest welcomes Gerry and sprinkles his face and feet with water. Also, he is given a mixture of curd, honey and “ghee” to drink.

The white curd indicates that his life should be pure and void of any bad deeds. Honey signifies the sweetness of his life.

Ghee, melted butter denotes the Love that he and Bela share.

Varmala
Arrival of the Bride: Bela arrives with her maternal uncles (Mama) to the “Mandap” (Altar) where they exchange garlands.

Kanyadan
Giving away the daughter: the parents express their desire to offer Bela’s hand in marriage to Gerard for a lifelong Union. They say “on this auspicious day we give away our daughter who is a symbol of Laxmi (Goddess of prosperity) to you, in the presence of the sacred fire, family, relatives and friends.”

Hasta Melap
Joining the hands: in this ritual, Gerard’s scarf of shawl is tied to Bela’s Saree. This knot and the joined hands of the couple symbolize the Union of two souls joined together in holy matrimony.

The Acharya chants mantras to invoke the blessings of Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Parvati for the wife.

Mangal Pheras
Walking around the sacred fire: Bela and Gerry gold hands and walk around the “Agni” (fire) four times. Each “Pera” (round) represents the four goals in human life:

Aashirwaad
Blessings: the couple seeks the blessings of their parents, priest, elders of the family & the guests. In the Hindu culture, blessings are sought with a bow.

Then takes place the civil ceremony, as a legal part to satisfy the requirements of Portuguese and Irish authorities, and in the end, the Catholic Blessing, followed by the exchange of vows and wedding rings.

Right after the ceremony, we invite the couple for a brief photo shoot, as we take them through some of the most beautiful and luxurious locations at the hotel. We were privileged to take some romantic pictures with a view, in the unique tower viewpoint, that offers that immense sight of Lisbon.

Meanwhile, their family and friends would follow to the cocktail reception by the gardens and pool: